IPL Photofacial in West Vancouver

IPL Photofacial

Skinfolio’s IPL photofacial is a non-invasive light treatment that targets visible sun damage, brown spots, facial redness and uneven skin tone. By delivering carefully controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light, IPL addresses both pigmented and vascular concerns while leaving the skin’s surface intact.

Treatment can be customized for the face, neck, chest and hands, with minimal downtime and gradual improvements in clarity, brightness and overall skin tone.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amanda Lau, MD CCFP

What it treats

Designed for these concerns.

What you can expect

Reduces the appearance of sun spots and age spots
Improves visible redness and flushing
Targets broken capillaries
Creates a brighter, more even-looking complexion
Addresses red and brown discolouration
May improve overall skin texture

A suitable option for:

Clients with visible sun damage or age spots
Individuals with freckles or uneven pigmentation
Clients experiencing diffuse facial redness
People with rosacea-related redness or flushing

The essentials

Before & after care.

A simple checklist so you arrive prepared and recover comfortably. Your clinician will tailor this to you.

Before your visit

Preparing

Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 2 to 4 weeks before treatment
Discontinue retinoids and exfoliating acids for 5 to 7 days prior
Do not wax or use depilatory creams on the treatment area for 1 week before
Inform your technician of any medications, as some (such as antibiotics and photosensitizing drugs) may need to be paused
Arrive with clean skin free of makeup, lotions, and sunscreen

After your treatment

Recovering

Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep skin hydrated
Use a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily and avoid direct sun exposure for 2 to 4 weeks
Do not pick at darkened spots as they flake off naturally
Avoid exfoliants, retinoids, and active skincare ingredients for 1 week
Skip hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours
Strict sun protection is essential before and after IPL treatment
UV exposure can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in recently treated skin
Wear SPF 30 or higher daily, reapply every 2 hours when outdoors, and wear protective hats and clothing
Avoid scheduling IPL during peak summer months if you spend significant time outdoors

Before & After

Real results, quietly documented.

Individual results vary.

Treatment reviews

What patients say about IPL Photofacial.

★★★★★

After my facial treatment at Skinfolio, Park Royal, I drove to the Horseshoe Bay ticket booth to purchase a ticket to Bowen Island. When I asked for the seniors discount, she asked for my I.D. After I showed it to her, she was still not convinced, but reluctantly gave me the ticket anyway. I said “YOU MADE MY DAY!!!”Thanks, Jordyn & Skinfolio

LuluSkinfolio Park Royal

Enhance your results

The skincare we recommend for IPL Photofacial is:

SkinCeuticals

In detail

Everything about IPL Photofacial.

Treatment time

Approximately 45–60 minutes

Downtime

Minimal to None

Comfort

Brief snapping and warming sensations

Recommended Sessions

3-5 sessions

Results

Develop over 1–4 weeks

Areas

Face, neck, chest and hands

What Is IPL?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It is a light-based treatment that delivers multiple wavelengths of energy into the skin to target selected colours—or chromophores—without removing the skin’s surface.

Brown pigment absorbs light differently from the hemoglobin inside visible blood vessels. By selecting appropriate filters and settings, your provider can customize treatment for pigmentation, redness or a combination of concerns.

How IPL Works?

IPL works through selective photothermolysis. The light is absorbed by melanin in brown spots or hemoglobin in visible vessels and converted into controlled heat.

Pigmented spots may temporarily darken before gradually flaking or fading. Treated vessels may become less visible as the body processes them over the following weeks. IPL may also support collagen remodelling, helping improve the overall appearance of skin texture.

What IPL Treats

Sun Damage and Age Spots

IPL targets excess melanin associated with sun spots, age spots and freckles.

Facial Redness and Rosacea-Related Redness

IPL can reduce the appearance of diffuse redness and flushing by targeting hemoglobin within superficial blood vessels. It can help manage visible rosacea-related redness but does not cure rosacea itself.

Broken Capillaries

Small visible facial vessels may absorb the light energy, become less noticeable and gradually be processed by the body.

Uneven Skin Tone

By addressing both red and brown discolouration, IPL can create a clearer, brighter and more even-looking complexion.

Skin Texture and Visible Pores

Collagen remodelling may provide a secondary improvement in texture and the appearance of pores. IPL is primarily a pigment and vascular treatment, so clients whose main concern is enlarged pores may benefit more from microneedling or resurfacing treatments.

Treatment FAQ

About IPL Photofacial.

A photofacial is another name for an IPL treatment performed to improve visible pigmentation, redness and overall skin tone.

Most clients describe a brief snapping or stinging sensation with warmth. Discomfort is generally manageable and ends quickly after each pulse.

A comprehensive appointment generally takes 45–60 minutes. A smaller treatment area may require less time.

Darkening indicates that targeted pigment has absorbed the light energy. The pigment then gradually rises toward the surface and flakes or fades.

IPL can reduce visible redness, flushing and superficial vessels associated with rosacea. It does not cure the underlying condition, and suitability depends on the individual.

IPL is generally approached cautiously in clients with melasma because heat and light can sometimes worsen it. Skinfolio may recommend a pigment-control program or another technology instead.

IPL may carry a greater risk of burns and pigment changes in skin with more melanin. A consultation is required, and an alternative treatment may be safer for some clients.

IPL can reduce many superficial vessels, but results depend on their size, depth and location. Some vessels may require additional treatments or another vascular technology.

Yes. IPL may be coordinated with facials, microneedling, injectables and other laser treatments. Your provider will recommend safe treatment intervals.

IPL is generally postponed during pregnancy.

Your West Vancouver clinic

604-376-7546 info@skinfolio.com

Hours

Mon-Sat	10AM-7PM
Sun	10AM-6PM